U.S. patent application number 16/156261 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-07 for method of conversion of red phosphorous to soluble polyphosphides.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc.. Invention is credited to Alina Dragulescu-Andrasi, David Tyler McQuade, Levi Zane Miller, Chongin Pak, Michael Shatruk.
Application Number | 20190039897 16/156261 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64736576 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190039897 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shatruk; Michael ; et
al. |
February 7, 2019 |
METHOD OF CONVERSION OF RED PHOSPHOROUS TO SOLUBLE
POLYPHOSPHIDES
Abstract
A method of synthesizing soluble polyphosphides using
shelf-stable reagents and common organic solvents is presented. A
reaction between an alkali metal alkoxy compound or alkali metal
alkyl thiolate compound, such as potassium ethoxide, and shelf
stable red phosphorus generated soluble polyphosphides in a variety
of organic solvents with the .sup.31P NMR spectrum being used to
detect the species of polyphosphides produced.
Inventors: |
Shatruk; Michael;
(Tallahassee, FL) ; McQuade; David Tyler;
(Arlington, VA) ; Dragulescu-Andrasi; Alina;
(Tallahassee, FL) ; Miller; Levi Zane;
(Tallahassee, FL) ; Pak; Chongin; (Tallahassee,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc. |
Tallahassee |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
64736576 |
Appl. No.: |
16/156261 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15428314 |
Feb 9, 2017 |
|
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16156261 |
|
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62292985 |
Feb 9, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C01B 25/08 20130101;
C01B 25/081 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C01B 25/08 20060101
C01B025/08 |
Claims
1. A method for producing polyphosphide anions soluble in organic
solvents, comprising: providing red phosphorus or a composition of
black phosphorus and red phosphorus; providing an alkali metal
alkoxy compound or alkali metal alkyl thiolate compound suspended
in an organic solvent; wherein the alkali metal is sodium or
potassium; allowing the red phosphorus and alkali metal or alkali
metal compound to react, wherein the reaction uses reflux or an
in-line packed column method; where the in-line packed column
method comprises: providing a packing column; loading the packing
column with the red phosphorus or composition of black phosphorus
and red phosphorus in an inert environment; purging the packing
column with an inert gas; setting a pressure regulator on the
packing column to at least 1 bar; heating the packing column to a
preselected temperature, where the preselected temperature is at
least the boiling point of the alkali metal alkoxy compound or
alkali metal alkyl thiolate; suspending the alkali metal alkoxy
compound or alkali metal alkyl thiolate compound in the organic
solvent; flowing the organic solvent through the packing column;
flowing the alkali metal alkoxy compound or alkali metal alkyl
thiolate compound in the organic solvent through the packing
column; forming a compound containing the alkali metal and
polyphosphide anions; evaporating the organic solvent off the
compound containing the alkali metal and polyphosphide anions;
redissolving the compound containing the alkali metal and
polyphosphide anions in ethanol; subjecting the compounds
containing alkali metal and polyphosphide anions to a cation
exchange with (Bu.sub.4N)Cl in ethanol to produce a
cation-polyphosphide material; and redissolving the
cation-polyphosphide material in acetonitrile to form free
polyphosphide anions.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the alkali metal alkoxy compound
or alkali metal alkyl thiolate compound is potassium ethoxide,
potassium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, sodium methoxide, or sodium
methyl thiolate.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the organic solvent is methyl
cyanide, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylformamide, or a combination of
tetrahydrofuran and dimethoxyethane.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the combination of
tetrahydrofuran and dimethoxyethane is at a volume to volume ratio
of 1:1.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the reflux is performed for about
15 minutes to about 2 hours.
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the free polyphosphide anions are
P.sub.5.sup.-, P.sub.16.sup.2-, P.sub.21.sup.3-, or a combination
thereof.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the red phosphorus has a grain
size of about 1.4. mm to about 0.7 mm.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the packing column is stainless
steel, cast aluminum, A10 aluminum, A12 aluminum, stainless steel,
aluminum-nickel alloy (50-50), polyimide, polyethylene
terephthalate, polyamide-imide, nylon, polyvinyl chloride,
polycarbonate, polyphthalamide, polysulfone,
maleimide/bismaleimide, polyetheretherketone, polyethedmide,
polyimide, polyester, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, carbon
reinforced-polyimide, carbon reinforced-polyethylene terephthalate,
carbon reinforced-polyamide-imide, carbon reinforced-nylon, carbon
reinforced-polyvinyl chloride, carbon reinforced-polycarbonate,
carbon reinforced-polyphthalamide, carbon reinforced-polysulfone,
carbon reinforced-maleimide/bismaleimide, carbon
reinforced-polyetheretherketone, carbon reinforced-polyetherimide,
carbon reinforced-polyimide, carbon reinforced-polyester, carbon
reinforced-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, glass
reinforced-polyimide, glass reinforced-polyethylene terephthalate,
glass reinforced-polyamide-imide, glass reinforced-nylon, glass
reinforced-polyvinyl chloride, glass reinforced-polycarbonate,
glass reinforced-polyphthalamide, glass reinforced-polysulfone,
glass reinforced-maleimide/bismaleimide, glass
reinforced-polyetheretherketone, glass reinforced-polyetherimide,
glass reinforced-polyimide, glass reinforced-polyester, or glass
reinforced-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the packing column is stainless
steel and wherein the preselected temperature is at least
80.degree. C.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the stainless steel packing
column is pressurized to about 8 bar.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the packing column has an
internal diameter of about 9 mm and a length of about 65 mm.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the alkali metal alkoxy
compound or alkali metal alkyl thiolate is flowed through the
packing column at a rate of about 0.5 mL min.sup.-1.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature of the packing
column or a reaction solution does not exceed the critical
temperature of the organic solvent.
17. The method of claim 1, further comprising separating the black
phosphorus from the polyphosphide anions.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to
currently pending U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No.
15/428,314, entitled "Method of Conversion of Red Phosphorous to
Soluble Polyphosphides", filed Feb. 9, 2017 which claims priority
to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/292,985, entitled
"Solubilization of Red Phosphorus by Reaction with Potassium
Ethoxide", filed Feb. 9, 2016, the entirety of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to chemical reactions. More
specifically, the invention relates to chemical methodology for
conversion of red phosphorus to polyphosphides via
solution-chemistry routes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Polyphosphides are negatively charged clusters of phosphorus
atoms that exhibit multifarious structural motifs. The majority of
polyphosphides had been obtained by direct solid-state reactions
between metals and red phosphorus red, (P.sub.red) or by
iodine-assisted chemical vapor transport (von Schnering &
Monle, Chemistry and structural chemistry of phosphides and
polyphosphides. 48. Bridging chasms with polyphosphides. Chem.
Rev., 1988 January; 88 (1): 243-273; Pottgen, W. Monle, H. G. von
Schnering in Encyclopedia of Inorganic Chemistry, Vol. 8, 2.sup.nd
ed. (Ed.: R. B. King), Wiley, Chichester, 2005, p. 4268). Only a
handful of uncoordinated polyphosphide anions have been obtained by
solution-based methods (Baudler, Polyphosphorus Compounds--New
Results and Perspectives. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 1987 May;
26(5), 419-441; Baudler, et al., Trilithium Heptaphosphide,
Dilithium Hexadecaphosphide, and Trisodium Henicosaphosphide.
Inorg. Synth. 1990, 27, 227; von Schnering, et al., Chemistry and
structural chemistry of phosphides and polyphosphides. 28.
Bis(tetraphenylphosphonium) hexadecaphosphide, a salt with the new
polycyclic anion P162. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 1981, 20: 594;
Miluykov, et al., Facile routes to sodium tetradecaphosphide
Na.sub.4P.sub.14 and molecular structure of
Na.sub.4(DME).sub.7.5P.sub.14 and Na.sub.4(en).sub.6P.sub.14
(DME=1,2-dimethoxyethane; en=ethylenediamine). Z. Anorg. Allg.
Chem. 2006, 632(10-11): 1728-32), which can be explained by the
difficulty in isolating these species. In general, the highly
reactive polyphosphide fragments need to be captured with organic
or organometallic reagents.
[0004] The long history of polyphosphides notwithstanding, there is
currently a growing interest in the study of these species.
Research efforts in polyphosphide chemistry have been fueled by
aspirations to control the activation of the P.sub.4 molecule
(Cossairt, et al., Early-transition-metal-mediated activation and
transformation of white phosphorus. Chem. Rev. 2010 Jul. 14,
110(7), 4164-77; Cummins, Terminal, anionic carbide, nitride, and
phosphide transition-metal complexes as synthetic entries to
low-coordinate phosphorus derivatives. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Eng.
2006 Jan 30, 45(6), 862-70), known as the white allotrope of the
element (P.sub.white), and by the recent discovery of phosphorene
as a promising graphene analogue with a finite direct band gap
(Reich, Phosphorene excites materials scientists. Nature. 2014 Feb.
6, 506(7486), 19; Xia, et al., Rediscovering black phosphorus as an
anisotropic layered material for optoelectronics and electronics.
Nat. Commun. 2014 Jul. 21; 5: 4458; Liu, et al., Phosphorene: an
unexplored 2D semiconductor with a high hole mobility. ACS Nano.
2014 Apr. 22, 8(4), 4033-4041; Li, et al., Black phosphorus
field-effect transistors. Nat. Nanotechnol. 2014 May, 9(5),
372-377; Liu, et al., The effect of dielectric capping on few-layer
phosphorene transistors: tuning the Schottky barrier heights IEEE
Electron. Device Lett. 2014 May, 35(7), 795-797).
[0005] Most polyphosphides prepared by solid-state methods are
insoluble in common organic solvents and exhibit very high chemical
stability (von Schnering & Honle, Chemistry and structural
chemistry of phosphides and polyphosphides. 48. Bridging chasms
with polyphosphides. Chem. Rev., 1988 January; 88 (1): 243-273;
Bawoh & Nilges, Phosphorus Rich d.sup.10 Ion Polyphosphides and
Selected Materials. Z. Anorg. Allg. Chem. 2015, 641(2), 304-310) In
contrast, the solution methods furnish soluble and reactive
polyphosphide fragments, many of which were not detected in the
solid-state reactions. Therefore, the need for a broader
exploration of solution-based routes cannot be overstated, as these
synthetic methods provide access to different polyphosphide species
as a result of kinetically controlled, rather than
thermodynamically controlled, reaction pathways. Not only do these
species exhibit fascinating reactivity (Turbervill &
Goicoechea, From clusters to unorthodox pnictogen sources:
solution-phase reactivity of [E.sub.7].sup.3- (E=P--Sb) anions.
Chem. Rev. 2014 Nov. 12, 114(21), 10807-10828) but they also might
serve as precursors for high-performance materials, including 2D
semiconductors (Reich, Phosphorene excites materials scientists.
Nature. 2014 Feb. 6, 506(7486), 19; Xia, et al., Rediscovering
black phosphorus as an anisotropic layered material for
optoelectronics and electronics. Nat. Commun. 2014 Jul. 21; 5:
4458; Liu, et al., Phosphorene: an unexplored 2D semiconductor with
a high hole mobility. ACS Nano. 2014 Apr. 22, 8(4), 4033-4041; Li,
et al., Black phosphorus field-effect transistors. Nat.
Nanotechnol. 2014 May, 9(5), 372-377; Liu, et al., The effect of
dielectric capping on few-layer phosphorene transistors: tuning the
Schottky barrier heights IEEE Electron. Device Lett. 2014 May,
35(7), 795-797) and lithium-ion battery anodes (Wang, et al.,
Nano-Structured Phosphorus Composite as High-Capacity Anode
Materials for Lithium Batteries. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2012
September; 51(36):9034-9037).
[0006] The majority of solution-based routes for producing
polyphosphides employ the toxic and flammable P.sub.white
allotrope, strongly reducing conditions, and/or cryogenic solvents
(Baudler, Polyphosphorus Compounds--New Results and Perspectives.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 1987 May; 26(5), 419-441; Baudler, et
al., Trilithium Heptaphosphide, Dilithium Hexadecaphosphide, and
Trisodium Henicosaphosphide. Inorg. Synth. 1990, 27, 227; von
Schnering, et al., Chemistry and structural chemistry of phosphides
and polyphosphides. 28. Bis(tetraphenylphosphonium)
hexadecaphosphide, a salt with the new polycyclic anion P162.
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 1981, 20: 594; Miluykov, et al., Facile
routes to sodium tetradecaphosphide Na.sub.4P.sub.14 and molecular
structure of Na.sub.4(DME).sub.7.5P.sub.14 and
Na.sub.4(en).sub.6P.sub.14 (DME=1,2-dimethoxyethane;
en=ethylenediamine). Z. Anorg. Allg. Chem. 2006, 632(10-11):
1728-32). Such methods, therefore, are difficult to scale up, which
limits the potential uses of polyphosphides and hinders more
extensive studies of their reactivity. There have been a few
reports whereby P.sub.red was used to prepare species such as
K.sub.3P.sub.7, but the solvents were limited to liquid ammonia or
ethylenediamine in combination with strongly reducing agents (Na or
Na--K alloy) (Miluykov, et al., Facile routes to sodium
tetradecaphosphide Na.sub.4P.sub.14 and molecular structure of
Na.sub.4(DME).sub.7.5P.sub.14 and Na.sub.4(en).sub.6P.sub.14
(DME=1,2-dimethoxyethane; en=ethylenediamine). Z. Anorg. Allg.
Chem. 2006, 632(10-11): 1728-32; Schmidbaur & Bauer, An
improved preparation of tris(trimethylsilyl)heptaphosphine.
Phosphorus Sulfur Silicon Relat. Elem. 1995, 102(1-4),
217-219).
[0007] As such, there is a deficiency in the art to produce soluble
polyphosphides from red phosphorous. As noted above, the
difficulties in the art with respect to solubilizing P.sub.red,
along with the highly toxic materials used to solubilize P.sub.red,
evidence an unmet need in the art for methods of dissolving or
solubilizing P.sub.red or polyphosphides thereof in a liquid
medium.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Red phosphorus is solubilized by subjecting red phosphorus
or a composition of black phosphorus and red phosphorus to an
alkali metal alkoxy compound or alkali metal alkyl thiolate
compound suspended in an organic solvent, to produce polyphosphide
anions soluble in organic solvents. The alkali metal is optionally
sodium or potassium. Nonlimiting examples of alkali metal alkoxy
compound or alkali metal alkyl thiolate compounds include potassium
ethoxide, potassium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, sodium methoxide,
and sodium methyl thiolate. Optional, nonlimiting examples of
organic solvents include methyl cyanide, dimethyl sulfoxide,
dimethylformamide, or a combination of tetrahydrofuran and
dimethoxyethane. In specific variations, the organic solvent is a
combination of tetrahydrofuran and dimethoxyethane at a volume to
volume ratio of 1:1.
[0009] The red phosphorus and alkali metal or alkali metal compound
are reacted via reflux or an in-line packed column method. Where
the reaction occurs via reflux, the reflux is performed for about
15 minutes to about 2 hours. Nonlimiting examples include 15
minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 35 minutes, 40
minutes, 45 minutes, 50 minutes, 55 minutes, 1 hour, 1.1 hours, 1.2
hours, 1.25 hours, 1.3 hours, 1.4 hours, 1.5 hours, 1.6 hours, 1.7
hours, 1.75 hours, 1.8 hours, 1.9 hours, 2 hours, 2.1 hours, and
2.2 hours.
[0010] In variations using an in-line packed method, the red
phosphorus or composition of black phosphorus and red phosphorus is
loaded into a packing column either in an inert environment or in
ambient environment and flushed with an inert gas. Optionally, the
red phosphorus or composition of black phosphorus and red
phosphorus has a grain size of about 1.4 mm to about 0.7 mm.
Nonlimiting examples of grain sizes include 0.6 mm, 0.65 mm, 0.7
mm, 0.75 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.85 mm, 0.9 mm, 0.95 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.05 mm, 1.1
mm, 1.15 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.25 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.35 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.45 mm, 1.5
mm, 1.55 mm, and 1.6 mm. The pressure on the packing column is set
to at least 1 bar. Nonlimiting examples of pressures include 1 bar,
1.5 bar, 2 bar, 2.5 bar, 3 bar, 3.5 bar, 4 bar, 4.5 bar, 5 bar, 5.5
bar, 6 bar, 6.5 bar, 7 bar, 7.5 bar, 8 bar. The packing column is
heated to at least the boiling point of the alkali metal alkoxy
compound or alkali metal alkyl thiolate. Nonlimiting examples of
temperatures include about 80.degree. C. to about 400.degree. C.
Specific, nonlimiting examples include 80.degree. C., 85.degree.
C., 90.degree. C., 95.degree. C., 100.degree. C., 110.degree. C.,
120.degree. C., 130.degree. C., 140.degree. C., 150.degree. C.,
160.degree. C., 170.degree. C., 180.degree. C., 190.degree. C.,
200.degree. C., 210.degree. C., 220.degree. C., 230.degree. C.,
240.degree. C., 250.degree. C., 260.degree. C., 270.degree. C.,
280.degree. C., 290.degree. C., 300.degree. C., 310.degree. C.,
320.degree. C., 330.degree. C., 340.degree. C., 350.degree. C.,
360.degree. C., 370.degree. C., 380.degree. C., 390.degree. C., and
400.degree. C. In specific variations, the temperature of the
packing column or a reaction solution does not exceed the critical
temperature of the organic solvent. The alkali metal alkoxy
compound or alkali metal alkyl thiolate compound is suspended in
the organic solvent and then flowed through the packing column to
form a compound containing the alkali metal and polyphosphide
anions. The compound containing the alkali metal and polyphosphide
anions is optionally collected and optionally further processed.
Alternatively, the black phosphorus is separated from the
polyphosphide anions.
[0011] In certain variations, the packing column is stainless
steel, cast aluminum, A10 aluminum, A12 aluminum, stainless steel,
aluminum-nickel alloy (50-50), polyimide, polyethylene
terephthalate, polyamide-imide, nylon, polyvinyl chloride,
polycarbonate, polyphthalamide, polysulfone,
maleimide/bismaleimide, polyetheretherketone, polyetherimide,
polyimide, polyester, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, carbon
reinforced-polyimide, carbon reinforced-polyethylene terephthalate,
carbon reinforced-polyamide-imide, carbon reinforced-nylon, carbon
reinforced-polyvinyl chloride, carbon reinforced-polycarbonate,
carbon reinforced-polyphthalamide, carbon reinforced-polysulfone,
carbon reinforced-maleimide/bismaleimide, carbon
reinforced-polyetheretherketone, carbon reinforced-polyetherimide,
carbon reinforced-polyimide, carbon reinforced-polyester, carbon
reinforced-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, glass
reinforced-polyimide, glass reinforced-polyethylene terephthalate,
glass reinforced-polyamide-imide, glass reinforced-nylon, glass
reinforced-polyvinyl chloride, glass reinforced-polycarbonate,
glass reinforced-polyphthalamide, glass reinforced-polysulfone,
glass reinforced-maleimide/bismaleimide, glass
reinforced-polyetheretherketone, glass reinforced-polyetherimide,
glass reinforced-polyimide, glass reinforced-polyester, or glass
reinforced-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. In specific variations
of the packing column, the column has an internal diameter of about
9 mm and a length of about 65 mm. However, it is apparent that the
dimensions of the packing column can vary without deviating from
the scope of the invention. For example, the column optionally has
a diameter of 8 mm, 8.1 mm, 8.2 mm, 8.3 mm, 8.4 mm, 8.5 mm, 8.6 mm,
8.7 mm, 8.8 mm, 8.9 mm, 9.0 mm, 9.1 mm, 9.2 mm, 9.3 mm, 9.4 mm, 9.5
mm, 9.6 mm, 9.7 mm, 9.8 mm, 9.9 mm, 10.0 mm, 10.1 mm, 10.2 mm, 10.3
mm, 10.4 mm, 10.5 mm, 10.6 mm, 10.7 mm, 10.8 mm, 10.9 mm, 11.0 mm,
11.1 mm, 11.2 mm, 11.3 mm, 11.4 mm, 11.5 mm, 11.6 mm, 11.7 mm, 11.8
mm, 11.9 mm, and 12.0 mm. Other diameters are also envisioned in
the invention. Similarly, the packing column optionally has a
length of 60 mm, 60.5 mm, 61 mm, 61.5 mm, 62 mm, 62.5 mm, 63 mm,
63.5 mm, 64 mm, 64.5 mm, 65 mm, 65.5 mm, 66 mm, 66.5 mm, 67 mm,
67.5 mm, 68 mm, 68.5 mm, 69 mm, 69.5 mm, and 70 mm. Other column
lengths are also envisioned in the invention.
[0012] The method of claim 14, wherein the alkali metal alkoxy
compound or alkali metal alkyl thiolate is flowed through the
packing column at a rate of about 0.5 mL min.sup.-1.
[0013] Where the solubilized phosphorus is desired, after reacting
the red phosphorus with the alkali metal alkoxy compound or alkali
metal alkyl thiolate compound, the organic solvent is evaporated
off the compound containing the alkali metal and polyphosphide
anions. The material containing the polyphosphide anions is
optionally redissolved in ethanol. In some variations, the material
dissolved in ethanol is then exposed to acation exchange with
(Bu.sub.4N)Cl in ethanol to produce a cation-polyphosphide
material, followed by redissolving the cation-polyphosphide
material in acetonitrile to form free polyphosphide anions.
Nonlimiting examples of free polyphosphide anions are
P.sub.5.sup.-, P.sub.16.sup.2-, P.sub.21.sup.3-, or a combination
thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] This patent or application file contains at least one
drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent
application publication with color drawings will be provided by the
Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.
[0015] For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference
should be made to the following detailed description, taken in
connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is an illustration of the solution-based activation
pathways for red phosphorus.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the .sup.31P{.sup.1H} NMR spectra
of reaction mixtures obtained from the activation of P.sub.red with
K. Symbols indicate resonances from P.sub.5.sup.-(),
P.sub.21.sup.3-(.quadrature.), P.sub.16.sup.2-(.largecircle.),
P(OEt).sub.3 (.DELTA.), and the external shift reference (*).
[0018] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the .sup.31P{.sup.1H} NMR spectra
of reaction mixtures obtained from the activation of P.sub.red with
KOEt. Symbols indicate resonances from P.sub.5.sup.-(),
P.sub.21.sup.3-(.quadrature.), P.sub.16.sup.2-(.largecircle.),
P(OEt).sub.3 (.DELTA.), and the external shift reference (*).
[0019] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the .sup.31P{.sup.1H} NMR spectra
of solutions obtained from reactions of P.sub.red with KOtBu in
THF/DME (1:1 v/v).
[0020] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the .sup.31P{.sup.1H} NMR spectra
of solutions obtained from reactions of P.sub.red with KOnHex in
THF/DME (1:1 v/v).
[0021] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the .sup.31P-.sup.31P COSY NMR
spectrum of K.sub.2P.sub.16 in EtOH.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a graph showing the .sup.31P{.sup.1H} NMR spectrum
of (TBA).sub.2P.sub.16 in acetronitrile-d.sub.3.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the low-resolution ESI mass
spectra of a (Bu.sub.4N).sub.2P.sub.16 solution in
acetonitrile.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a graph showing the high-resolution ESI mass
spectra of a (Bu.sub.4N).sub.2P.sub.16 solution in
acetonitrile.
[0025] FIG. 10 is an illustration showing the flow reactor diagram
displaying the nearly colorless solution of KOEt in THF/DME (a)
flowing into the P.sub.red-loaded reactor and the red solution of
polyphosphides exiting the column followed by collection into a
round-bottom flask (b).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0026] In the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which
form a part thereof, and within which are shown by way of
illustration specific embodiments by which the invention may be
practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from
the scope of the invention.
[0027] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless
the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this
specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally
employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise.
[0028] As used herein, "about" means approximately or nearly and in
the context of a numerical value or range set forth means .+-.15%
of the numerical.
[0029] As used herein, "red phosphorus" means a polymeric molecule
of phosphorus, wherein one bond in a tetrahedron structure is bound
to an adjacent tetrahedron structure resulting in a chain-like
molecule having an amorphous structure. Red phosphorus may be
formed through thermal decomposition of white phosphorus at around
250.degree. C. to 300.degree. C. (482.degree. F. to 572.degree. F.)
or by exposing white phosphorus to sunlight.
[0030] As used herein, "black phosphorus" or P.sub.black refers to
an allotrope of phosphorus that appears black and flakey. The
allotrope comprises an orthorhombic or cubic crystalline structure
having puckered sheets and which possess conductivity, a large
direct band gap and directional anisotropy. P.sub.black is
generally formed from thermal decomposition of white phosphorus at
elevated pressures (typically around 12,000 ATM), though other
methods of synthesis, such as catalysis, are envisioned.
[0031] As used herein, "white phosphorus" or P.sub.white refers to
an allotrope of phosphorus having a white or light yellow color.
The allotrope is very reactive. Pwhite possesses a tetrahedral or
cubic crystalline structure.
[0032] As used herein, "alkali metal" refers to the elements
lithium, sodium, and potassium, including mixtures thereof.
[0033] As used herein, "alkali metal compound" refers to a compound
incorporating an alkali metal into the structure and having the
alkali metal bound via an electrostatic bond.
[0034] As used herein, "organic solvent" to a hydrocarbon liquid
that dissolves a solid, liquid, or gaseous solute, resulting in a
solution. The term organic solvent refers to compounds that contain
carbon atoms, i.e. are organic compounds.
[0035] As used herein, "inert environment" is an environment or
atmosphere that is substantially free of oxygen. In some
embodiments, the inert environment consists of inert gases, a
mixture of inert gases, or a vacuum.
[0036] As used herein, "inert gas" or "inert gases" refer to noble
gases (group 18).
[0037] As used herein, "polyphosphide anions" are negatively
charged molecules that contain P--P bonds. The polyphosphide anions
possess increased solubility compared to phosphorus allotropes or
variants, such as white phosphorus, black phosphorus, and red
phosphorus.
[0038] As used herein, "grain size" refers to the average diameter
of a solid material when in a liquid medium.
[0039] A facile solution-based method for activating red phosphorus
with nucleophilic reagents, yielding soluble polyphosphides by
heating at reflux under mild conditions is provided. Moreover, by
employing a solution-phase activator, this reaction was adapted to
a flow-chemistry process to afford continuous production of soluble
polyphosphides.
[0040] Activation of P.sub.red was initiated by surveying
approaches that were previously used for the activation of
P.sub.white to form polyphosphides by using alkali metals (Guerin
& Richeson, Facile Interconversion of Polyphosphides and
Formation of a New Polyphosphide Anion. Inorg. Chem. 1995 May;
34(11): 2793-2794), LiPH.sub.2, (Baudler & Exner, Chemistry of
phosphorus. 121. Dilithium hexadecaphosphide (Li.sub.2P.sub.16) via
nucleophilic cleavage of white phosphorus with lithium
dihydrogenphosphide. Chem. Ber. 1983, 116(3), 1268-1270; Baudler,
et al., Chemistry of phosphorus. 157. Dilithium hexadecaphosphide,
Li.sub.2P.sub.16: preparation from Li.sub.2HP.sub.7 and structure
determination by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy. Z. Anorg. Allg. Chem.
1985, 529, 7-14; Baudler & Duster, Contributions to the
chemistry of phosphorus: disodium hexadecaphosphide-preparation via
Cleavage of White phosphorus with sodium. Z. Naturforsch. B. 1987
March, 42(3), 335-336; Baudler, et al., Chemistry of phosphorus.
162. MI.sub.3P.sub.19 (MI=lithium, sodium, potassium), the first
salts with nonadecaphosphide(3-) ions. Z. Anorg. Allg. Chem. 1986,
534, 19-26), or sodium naphthalenide (Cummins, et al., The
stannylphosphide anion reagent sodium bis(triphenylstannyl)
phosphide: synthesis, structural characterization, and reactions
with indium, tin, and gold electrophiles. Inorg. Chem. 2014 Apr. 7;
53(7):3678-3687).
[0041] Earlier reports described the activation of P.sub.white by
various nucleophilic reagents (Brown, et al., The reaction of
thiolates with elemental phosphorus. Phosphorus Sulfur. 1978, 5(1),
121-122; Brown, et al., Reaction of Elemental Phosphorus with
Alkanethiolates in the Presence of Tetrachloromethane. J. Chem.
Soc. Perkin Trans. 1. 1979, 7, 1799-1805; Giffin & Masuda,
Reactivity of white phosphorus with compounds of the p-block.
Coord. Chem. Rev. 2011, 255(11-12), 1342-1359; Scheer, et al.,
P.sub.4 activation by main group elements and compounds. Chem. Rev.
2010 Jul. 14; 110(7):4236-4256). A similar approach was tested to
activate P.sub.red, which is commonly thought of as a more inert
phosphorus source.
EXAMPLE 1
[0042] All manipulations with air- and moisture-sensitive compounds
were performed under an inert-gas atmosphere by using standard
Schlenk techniques or an Ar-filled glovebox. Red phosphorus
(99.999%, Alfa Aesar) and all anhydrous solvents (Sigma-Aldrich)
were used as received. KOEt was freshly prepared from EtOH and K
metal (99.5%, Sigma-Aldrich) and dried under vacuum overnight.
Reaction mixtures were sampled for analysis by .sup.31P NMR
spectroscopy in air-free NMR tubes. Conversions were determined
indirectly by isolation and weighing of unreacted P.sub.red
starting material. Elemental analyses (C, H, N, P) were performed
by Midwest MicroLab, LLC.
[0043] Activation of P.sub.red was undertaken using small pieces of
K (30 mg, 0.8 mmol) and P.sub.red (50 mg, 1.6 mmol), suspended in
DME/THF (3 mL; 1:1 v/v), as seen in FIG. 1. The mixture was heated
under reflux for 3 h. By reacting P.sub.red with potassium metal in
refluxing THF/DME (1:1 v/v; DME=1,2-dimethoxyethane), orange/red
solutions were obtained that contained a mixture of soluble
polyphosphide anions, specifically P.sub.5.sup.-, P.sub.16.sup.2-,
and P.sub.21.sup.3-, according to the .sup.31P NMR spectra, as seen
in FIG. 2. The chemical shift values of the corresponding resonance
signals coincide well with previously reported values
[0044] The resulting bright-orange solution was allowed to cool to
RT and was then evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The
dark-red residue was dissolved in anhydrous EtOH to yield a
dark-red solution, which contained exclusively K.sub.2P.sub.16 (as
determined by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy).
[0045] Next, a solution of potassium ethoxide (KOEt) was used,
which led to a remarkable activation of P.sub.red in less than 2 h,
as seen in FIG. 3. The activation by KOEt proceeded successfully in
a variety of organic solvents, with the exception of low-boiling
hydrocarbons, as seen in Table 1. The resonance signals detected in
the .sup.31P NMR spectrum were assigned to the P.sub.5.sup.-,
P.sub.16.sup.2-, and P.sub.21.sup.3- ions.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Reaction of P.sub.red with KOEt in various
solvents. Solvent T [.degree. C.] Reaction time [h] Polyphosphides
produced Pentane 36.1 24 No reaction Hexane 69 24 No reaction MeCN
81.6 2 P.sub.16.sup.2-, P.sub.21.sup.3-, P.sub.5.sup.- THF/DME
(1:1) 85 2 P.sub.16.sup.2-, P.sub.21.sup.3-, P.sub.5.sup.- DMF 153
24 P.sub.5.sup.- (major), P.sub.16.sup.2-, P.sub.21.sup.3- DMSO 189
0.25 P.sub.5.sup.- (major), P.sub.16.sup.2-, P.sub.21.sup.3-
[0046] The reaction conditions were tested using different
nucleophiles and reaction conditions in order to achieve the
conversion of the P.sub.red allotrope into various polyphosphide
anions. Alkali metal-based oxyalkyl and thiolate compounds were
found to effectively dissolve P.sub.red, as seen in Table 2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Effect of various activators on the
dissolution of P.sub.red. Activator Solvent Temperature, .degree.
C. Reaction time, h Na- and K- MeCN 81.6 2 methoxides and THF/DME
85 2 ethoxides (1:1 v/v) DMF 153 0.25 DMSO 189 0.25 K- t-butoxide
THF/DME 85 24-48 and n- (1:1 v/v) hexoxide; Na-thiolates
[0047] The activation of P.sub.red with redox-inactive KOEt in
THF/DME is drastically different from common approaches used for
the synthesis of polyphosphides. However, the nucleophilic attack
that initiates a cascade of disproportionation reactions and
rearrangements was proposed as the mechanism for the conversion of
P.sub.white to organophosphorus compounds by p-block nucleophiles
(Scheer, et al., P.sub.4 activation by main group elements and
compounds. Chem. Rev. 2010 Jul. 14; 110(7):4236-4256).
[0048] Solution .sup.31P NMR spectra were obtained on a Bruker
AVANCE III 600 spectrometer operating at frequencies of 600.13 MHz
for .sup.1H and 242.96 MHz for .sup.31P with a 5-mm broadband
probe. The chemical shifts were referenced to 85% phosphoric acid
(H.sub.3PO.sub.4) at 0 ppm. Each sample was prepared under inert
atmosphere by sampling 0.45 mL of reaction mixture (or redissolving
solid samples in appropriate solvents), filtering, and dispensing
into an air-free NMR tube followed by insertion of a sealed coaxial
insert (85% H.sub.3PO.sub.4 in D.sub.2O) for locking and
referencing purposes.
[0049] Indeed, the .sup.31P NMR spectrum of the crude mixture
obtained from the activation of P.sub.red with KOEt contains an
intense signal at .delta.=138 ppm, as seen in FIG. 3, which
corresponds to P(OEt).sub.3, the main byproduct of the
disproportionation reaction:
##STR00001##
[0050] The observation of the formation of the P(OEt).sub.3
byproduct, which was not detected in the activation of P.sub.red
with K metal, as seen in FIG. 2, corroborates the proposed
nucleophilic initiation of the transformation as described by the
equation above.
[0051] To further probe the activation mechanism, the effects of
the nucleophile strength, KOR, was investigated by varying the
length and bulk of the alkyl substituent. As the R group was
changed from ethyl to n-hexyl, the reaction rate decreased
substantially; full conversion of P.sub.red was achieved in 12-24 h
for R=n-hexyl, whereas less than 2 h were required with R=ethyl.
Full conversion was never reached for R=t-butyl, as judged by the
observation of unreacted P.sub.red in the reaction vessel even
after 96 h. These results also provide strong support for the
nucleophilic activation of P.sub.red, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0052] The crude mixture of polyphosphides obtained by the reaction
of P.sub.red with KOEt in THF/DME was evaporated to dryness. The
residue was redissolved in EtOH, and the mixture was filtered to
afford a dark-red solution. This solution was found to contain
exclusively K.sub.2P.sub.16, as confirmed by the 2D
.sup.31P-.sup.31P COSY NMR spectrum, as seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. The
P.sub.16.sup.2- polyphosphide ion was successfully crystallized by
cation exchange with (Bu.sub.4N)Cl in EtOH. The X-ray crystal
structure determination confirmed the formation of
(Bu.sub.4N).sub.2P.sub.16. The compound can be redissolved in
acetonitrile, with the P.sub.16.sup.2- polyanion remaining intact,
as judged by the .sup.31P NMR spectrum, as seen in FIG. 7. In this
solution, a protonated [HP16].sup.- ion (m/z 496.6) was also
detected using negative-mode electrospray ionization mass
spectrometry (ESI-MS).
[0053] The ESI-MS data were collected with a JEOL AccuTOF
Time-of-Flight mass spectrometer. Solutions of
(Bu.sub.4N).sub.2P.sub.16 in acetonitrile were analyzed in negative
ionization mode. The instrument was calibrated with a mixture of
SDS and sodium taurocholate for high-resolution mass determination.
The dominant peak at mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) 496.5865 was
assigned to [HP.sub.16].sup.- molecular ion (predicted m/z
496.5880). Along with the [HP16].sup.- molecular ion, peaks
corresponding to fragmentation ions were also observed, as seen in
FIGS. 8 and 9.
EXAMPLE 2
[0054] All manipulations with air- and moisture-sensitive compounds
were performed under an inert-gas atmosphere by using standard
Schlenk techniques or an Ar-filled glovebox. Red phosphorus
(99.999%, Alfa Aesar) and all anhydrous solvents (Sigma-Aldrich)
were used as received. KOEt was freshly prepared from EtOH and K
metal (99.5%, Sigma-Aldrich) and dried under vacuum overnight.
Reaction mixtures were sampled for analysis by .sup.31P NMR
spectroscopy in air-free NMR tubes. Conversions were determined
indirectly by isolation and weighing of unreacted P.sub.red
starting material. Elemental analyses (C, H, N, P) were performed
by Midwest MicroLab, LLC.
[0055] Synthesis of (Bu.sub.4N).sub.2P.sub.16: Solid KOEt (136 mg,
1.6 mmol) was dissolved in DME/THF (3 mL; 1:1 v/v) and P.sub.red
(50 mg, 1.6 mmol) was added to the solution. The suspension was
heated to reflux for 2 h. The resulting bright-orange suspension
was allowed to cool to RT and was then evaporated to dryness under
vacuum. The dark-red residue was dissolved in anhydrous EtOH to
form a dark-red solution, which contained exclusively
K.sub.2P.sub.16 (as determined by .sup.31P NMR). Following cation
exchange with (Bu.sub.4N)Cl in EtOH, the P.sub.16.sup.2- polyanion
was isolated as the brown-red salt (Bu.sub.4N).sub.2P.sub.16.
Yield=62 mg (63%). HRMS (ESI.sup.-): m/z calcd for the
[HP.sub.16].sup.- ion 496.5880; found 496.5865. .sup.31P{.sup.1H}
NMR ([D.sub.3]MeCN, 20.degree. C., 242.96 MHz): .delta.=60, 39,
3.23, -37, -134, -175 ppm. A satisfactory elemental analysis could
not be obtained for this material, presumably because of the
extreme sensitivity of the product.
EXAMPLE 3
[0056] The use of shelf-stable P.sub.red instead of highly reactive
P.sub.white allows was analyzed as a scalable, new reaction through
flow-chemistry approaches. Based on work with solid reagents packed
in flow reactors (Opalka, et al., Continuous proline catalysis via
leaching of solid proline. Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2011, 7:
1671-1679; Opalka, et al., Continuous synthesis and use of
N-heterocyclic carbene copper(I) complexes from insoluble
Cu.sub.2O. Org. Lett. 2013 Mar. 1, 15(5), 996-999; Longstreet, et
al., Investigating the continuous synthesis of a nicotinonitrile
precursor to nevirapine. Beilstein J Org Chem. 2013 Nov. 20; 9:
2570-2578; Alonso, et al., Continuous synthesis of organozinc
halides coupled to Negishi reactions. Adv. Synth. Catal. 2014,
356(18), 3737-3741), rapid conversion of P.sub.red to form soluble
polyphosphides was tested achieved using a packed-bed method. To
this end, P.sub.red was loaded as a packed bed in a stainless steel
column.
[0057] All manipulations with air- and moisture-sensitive compounds
were performed under an inert-gas atmosphere by using standard
Schlenk techniques or an Ar-filled glovebox. Red phosphorus
(99.999%, Alfa Aesar) and all anhydrous solvents (Sigma-Aldrich)
were used as received. KOEt was freshly prepared from EtOH and K
metal (99.5%, Sigma-Aldrich) and dried under vacuum overnight.
Reaction mixtures were sampled for analysis by .sup.31P NMR
spectroscopy in air-free NMR tubes. Conversions were determined
indirectly by isolation and weighing of unreacted P.sub.red
starting material. Elemental analyses (C, H, N, P) were performed
by Midwest MicroLab, LLC.
[0058] A coarse 14-25 mesh (1.4-0.7 mm) powder of P.sub.red (5.7 g,
2.25 mol) was loaded as a packed bed in a stainless steel column
(internal diameter=9 mm, length=65 mm) in ambient atmosphere. While
other sized particles worked, smaller particles could lead to
inconsistent flow profiles or channeling of the reagent solution
around the packed bed and occasional clogging. A Phoenix flow
reactor (ThalesNano) was used to apply heat (80.degree. C.) and
pressure (8 bar). After packing the column, the column was flushed
with argon. A solution of KOEt (0.38 M) in THF/DME (1:1 v/v) was
driven through the packed bed with micro HPLC pumps (ThalesNano) at
a rate of 0.5 mL min.sup.-1.
[0059] As seen in FIG. 10, the flow-reactor diagram began with a
nearly colorless solution of KOEt in THF/DME flowing into the
P.sub.red-loaded reactor, as seen in the inset (a), and upon
reaction with P.sub.red resulted in the dark-red solution of
polyphosphides exiting the column, followed by collection into a
round-bottom flask, as seen in the inset (b). After 5 h of
continuous operation, 150 mL of 0.03 M polyphosphide solution (the
concentration calculated per P atom), identified as a dark-red
solid, was isolated by removing the volatile compounds under
reduced pressure.
[0060] The solution was collected under an inert atmosphere and
sampled directly for characterization by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy,
which confirmed the presence of the same mixture of polyphosphides
as detected in, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. The solvent was removed
under reduced pressure to yield solid products, which could be
redissolved in EtOH to yield a solution of pure
K.sub.2P.sub.16.
[0061] The solid was readily soluble in EtOH and yielded a
spectroscopically pure solution of K.sub.2P.sub.16 in nearly
quantitative yield. .sup.31P{.sup.1H} NMR (EtOH, 85%
H.sub.3PO.sub.4 external reference, 20.degree. C., 242.96 MHz):
.delta.=60, 40, 4.69, -37, -134, -174 ppm.
[0062] In conclusion, a new top-down approach for the activation of
red phosphorus was demonstrated to afford a fast and convenient
synthesis of soluble polyphosphides using shelf-stable reagents and
common organic solvents. The mild nucleophilic activation of
P.sub.red with KOEt is in striking contrast to the previously
reported activation of P.sub.red which required the use of strong
reductants, specifically alkali metals. This nucleophilic
activation was also adapted to a flow-chemistry reactor, providing
a method for the continuous multigram synthesis of polyphosphides.
The methodology herein can enable widespread access to these
structurally diverse species, which could lead to rapid elucidation
of their reactivity pathways.
EXAMPLE 4
[0063] Black phosphorus (P.sub.black) is an allotrope of phosphorus
that is stable at ambient temperatures and pressures. It possesses
an orthorhombic structure and exhibits a black flakey structure
from the puckered structure of the phosphorus atoms. P.sub.black
has garnered interest due to its ability to form thin films, along
with its large band gap (from about 0.3 to about 2.0 electron
volts) and directional anisotropy, allowing its use as field effect
transistors, semiconductors, and light detectors. However,
P.sub.black is currently formed from by transformation of P.sub.red
under high temperature and/or pressure, and consequently contains
impurities of P.sub.red in the material. The method was used to
separate P.sub.red from P.sub.black.
[0064] KOEt was freshly prepared from EtOH and K metal (99.5%,
Sigma-Aldrich) under an inert-gas atmosphere by using standard
Schlenk techniques or an Ar-filled glovebox and dried under vacuum
overnight.
[0065] Black phosphorus (P.sub.black) was synthesized from
amorphous red phosphorus (P.sub.red) according to a published
procedure (Lange et al., Inorg. Chem. 2007, 46, 4028-4035). After
synthesis, a batch of P.sub.black crystals was separated
mechanically from byproducts; upon observation under a microscope,
however, unreacted deposits of P.sub.red were still visible on the
surface of BP crystals.
[0066] To remove this P.sub.red contaminant, solid KOEt (136 mg,
1.6 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous DME/THF (3 mL; 1:1 v/v) and
added to a vial (O14 mm) containing BP crystals (.about.150 mg)
under inert gas. Standard Schlenk techniques were employed for this
experiment. The vial was heated to reflux for 24 h.
[0067] During reflux, the P.sub.red deposits that covered the
surface of P.sub.black crystals were converted to soluble
polyphosphides as indicated by the orange-red color of the
resulting solution. At the same time, the P.sub.black crystals
remained intact. The vial was allowed to cool to room temperature,
and the solution was evaporated to dryness under vacuum. The
P.sub.black crystals were washed with anhydrous ethanol (5.times.5
mL) under inert gas and dried under vacuum. After drying, the
crystals were transferred to a plastic container for microscopic
examination. Microscopic analysis showed red phosphorus deposits,
which were visible prior to P.sub.red extraction, were not visible
under microscopic observation after extraction.
EXAMPLE 5
[0068] The method was used to separate P.sub.red from P.sub.black
using flow-chemistry approaches.
[0069] A coarse 14-25 mesh (1.4-0.7 mm) powder of P.sub.black (5.7
g, 2.25 mol), containing of P.sub.red was loaded as a packed bed in
a stainless steel column (internal diameter=9 mm, length=65 mm) in
ambient atmosphere. While other sized particles worked, smaller
particles could lead to inconsistent flow profiles or channeling of
the reagent solution around the packed bed and occasional clogging.
A Phoenix flow reactor (ThalesNano) was used to apply heat
(80.degree. C.) and pressure (8 bar). After packing the column, the
column was flushed with argon. A solution of KOEt (0.38 M) in
THF/DME (1:1 v/v) was driven through the packed bed with micro HPLC
pumps (ThalesNano) at a rate of 0.5 mL min.sup.-1.
[0070] The flow-reactor diagram began with a nearly colorless
solution of KOEt in THF/DME flowing into the P-loaded reactor, and
upon reaction with P.sub.red resulted in the dark-red solution of
polyphosphides exiting the column, followed by collection into a
round-bottom flask. After 5 h of continuous operation, 150 mL of
0.03 M polyphosphide solution (the concentration calculated per P
atom), identified as a dark-red solid, was isolated by removing the
volatile compounds under reduced pressure.
[0071] The solution was collected under an inert atmosphere and
sampled directly for characterization by .sup.31P NMR spectroscopy,
which confirmed the presence of the same mixture of polyphosphides
as detected in, as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0072] The stainless steel column was then opened and the
P.sub.black removed. Analysis of the P.sub.black indicated that the
in-line column extracted the P.sub.red from the P.sub.black,
resulting in higher purity P.sub.black material. The activation of
red phosphorus affords a fast and convenient method for the
synthesis of soluble polyphosphides using shelf-stable reagents and
common organic solvents, followed by removal of the soluble
polyphosphides from black phosphorus. Nucleophilic activation of
P.sub.red with KOE was adapted to a flow chemistry reactor,
providing a method for the continuous synthesis of polyphosphides
and removal of the P.sub.red impurities from P.sub.black.
[0073] All referenced publications are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety. Furthermore, where a definition or use
of a term in a reference, which is incorporated by reference
herein, is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term
provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein
applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not
apply.
[0074] The advantages set forth above, and those made apparent from
the foregoing description, are efficiently attained. Since certain
changes may be made in the above construction without departing
from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters
contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying
drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting
sense.
[0075] It is also to be understood that the following claims are
intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the
invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the
invention that, as a matter of language, might be said to fall
therebetween.
* * * * *